The Best Rain Jackets of 2025
- Waterproof Membrane: AscentShell Dry 3L
- Waterproof Rating: 20,000 mm/24 hours
- Breathability Rating: 10,000 g/m²
- Pit Zips: Yes
- Fit: Regular
- Weight: 13.7 oz.
Pros
- New 3-layer membrane wets out much less
- Torso-Flo venting stretches from hem to the pits
- Large size range
- YKK Aquaguard zippers
- Fully adjustable hood
Cons
- 3-layer version is ~2 ounces heavier than previous
- Waterproofing isn't the highest out there
- Waterproof Membrane: HydroWall 2.5L
- Waterproof Rating: Unpublished
- Breathability Rating: Unpublished
- Pit Zips: Yes
- Fit: Regular
- Weight: 11.3 oz.
Pros
- Budget price less than $100
- Admirable waterproofing
- Smartly designed torso pockets create drop-in pockets on the interior
- Exterior fabric is soft to the touch with slight stretch
- Stormflap is secured with Velcro tabs for extra security
Cons
- Slick 2.5 layer interior can become clammy with too much exertion
- Hood isn't the most adjustable, with only periphery shockcords
- Waterproof Membrane: Proprietary H₂No 3L
- Waterproof Rating: 20,000 mm/24 hours
- Breathability Rating: Unpublished
- Pit Zips: No
- Fit: Regular
- Weight: 13.9 oz.
Pros
- 3-layer waterproof membrane for the price of many 2-layer jackets
- Budget pricing
- Fit accommodates layering
- Good size range available
Cons
- Plastic-y feel
- Bulky packed size
- No pit zips
- Material Construction: 40D/80D 3L GORE-TEX Pro Most Rugged
- Waterproof Rating (mm): 28,000
- Breathability Rating (RET): <9
- Fit: Regular
- Pockets: Two handwarming pockets
- Weight: 1 lb.
- Best For: General mountaineering, ski-touring, alpine rock
Pros
- Versatile feature set
- Unique raised collar for weather protection
- Built with Most Rugged GORE-TEX Pro membrane
- Lightweight at only 1 pound (tested men's medium)
- Rugged exterior shell fabric absorbs abrasion
Cons
- Fairly spendy
- Most Rugged version of GORE-TEX Pro has lower breathability
- No two-way front zipper
- Waterproof Membrane: GORE-TEX INFINIUM 2L
- Waterproof Rating: 30,000 mm/24 hours
- Breathability Rating: 43,000 g/m²
- Pit Zips: Yes
- Fit: Regular
- Weight: 6.4 oz.
Pros
- Full-featured at UL 6.5 oz. weight
- Impressive breathability
- Smart patterning reduces seam lines
- Three-way adjustable hood
- Reflective hits for night-time visibility
Cons
- Interior can feel slick
- Left hand zipper
- Not the widest size or color range available
- Waterproof Membrane: Patagonia 3L H2No
- Waterproof Rating: 20,000 mm/24 hours
- Breathability Rating: Unpublished
- Pit Zips: No
- Fit: Active/Slim
- Weight: 7.2 oz.
Pros
- Great just-in-case layer for rain and wind
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Stuffs down small
- Sustainable design
Cons
- Won’t stand up to intense rain
- Small chest pocket
- Waterproof Membrane: Proprietary Proflex 3L
- Waterproof Rating: 10,000 mm/24 hours
- Breathability Rating: 35,000 g/m²
- Pit Zips: No
- Fit: Regular
- Weight: 14.9 oz.
Pros
- Impressively stretchy
- Comfortable fit
- Durable face fabric
- Made with climbers and mountaineers in mind
Cons
- No pit zips
- Low waterproof rating
- On the heavier side
Other Rain Shells to Keep You Dry
- Waterproof Membrane: REI HydroWall 3L
- Waterproof Rating: Unavailable
- Breathability Rating: Unavailable
- Pit Zips: Yes
- Fit: Regular
- Weight: 13.4 oz. (tested men's medium)
Pros
- 3-layer membrane at a more budget-oriented price
- Good stretch in the fabric
- Packs into its own pocket
- Great value for the spend
- Large size and color range
Cons
- Not the best waterproofing out there, and will need DWR refreshes to stay dry
- No internal drop pockets like the REI Rainier
- Waterproof Membrane: GORE-TEX Paclite Plus 2.5L
- Waterproof Rating: 28,000 mm/24 hours
- Breathability Rating: 15,000 g/m²
- Pit Zips: No
- Fit: Regular
- Weight: 9.1 oz.
Pros
- Front chest ventilation zipper works well to move moisture
- Climbing helmet compatible hood
- More articulated fit than many other jackets on our list
Cons
- Only a single napoleon chest pocket
- Waterproof Membrane: GORE-TEX ePE 3L
- Waterproof Rating: 28,000 mm/24 hours
- Breathability Rating (RET): <13 RET
- Pit Zips: No
- Fit: Active/Slim
- Weight: 13.2 oz.
Pros
- Burly construction
- Lightweight design
- High-quality fit and finish
- Non-PFC GORE-TEX ePE membrane
Cons
- High price
- Fabric crinkle
- Waterproof Membrane: Proflex 2.5L
- Waterproof Rating: 20,000 mm/24 hours
- Breathability Rating: 20,000 g/m²
- Pit Zips: No
- Fit: Acrtive/Slim
- Weight: 7.7 oz. (tested men's medium)
Pros
- Lightweight at under 8 ounces
- Flexible and stiffened hood brim
- Hand pockets tucked up high on torso
- YKK Aquaguard zippers
Cons
- No pitzips for ventilation
- Not immune from slick interior when really working up a sweat
- Waterproof Membrane: Pertex Shield 2.5L
- Waterproof Rating: 20,000 mm/24 hours
- Breathability Rating: 20,000 g/m²
- Pit Zips: Yes
- Fit: Active/Slim
- Weight: 6.3 oz.
Pros
- Ultra-packable
- Lightweight
- Tough Diamond Fuse textile tech
Cons
- No hand pockets
- Can wet out
- Waterproof Membrane: Dry.Q 2.5L
- Waterproof Rating: 10,000 mm/24 hours
- Breathability Rating: 10,000 g/m²
- Pit Zips: Yes
- Fit: Regular
- Weight: 10.5 oz.
Pros
- Whole body stretch doesn't limit mobility
- Soft exterior material feel
- Mesh-lined pockets aids in venting
- Microfleece chin guard
Cons
- Not the most waterproof or breathable
- Simple hood design
- Stretch fabrics require more frequent DWR treatments
- Waterproof Membrane: Proprietary Vertice 3L
- Waterproof Rating: >20,000 mm/24 hours
- Breathability Rating: 56,000 g/m²
- Pit Zips: Yes
- Fit: Regular
- Weight: 7 oz.
Pros
- Impressively light weight at 7 ounces
- Highly breathable
- Full waterproof front zipper
Cons
- Hood aperature is a bit small
- Fit and finish is a little rough
- Waterproof Membrane: Proprietary BD.dry 2.5L
- Waterproof Rating: 10,000 mm/24 hours
- Breathability Rating: 10,000 g/m²
- Pit Zips: Yes
- Fit: Regular
- Weight: 11.3 oz.
Pros
- Great value
- Impressive material stretch doesn't limit mobility
- Water-resistant front zipper
- Helmet compatible hood
- Packs into its own pocket
Cons
- Not ideal over layers
- Not the most waterproof or breathable
Rain Jackets Comparison Chart
Rain Jacket | Price | Waterproof Material | Waterproof Rating | Breathability Rating | Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Outdoor Research Foray 3L | $249 | AscentShell Dry 3L | Unpublished | Unpublished | 13.7 oz. |
REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket | $100 | REI HydroWall 2.5L | Unpublished | Unpublished | 11.3 oz. |
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L | $179 | Patagonia H2No 3L | 20,000 mm/24 hours | Unpublished | 13.9 oz. |
Arc’teryx Beta AR | $600 | GORE-TEX Pro Most Rugged 3L | 28,000 mm/24 hours | <9 RET | 16 oz. |
Montbell Versalite | $260 | GORE-TEX INFINIUM 2L | 30,000 mm/24 hours | 43,000 g/m² | 6.4 oz. |
Patagonia Storm Racer | $299 | Patagonia H2No 3L | 20,000 mm/24 hours | Unpublished | 7.2 oz. |
Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0 Jacket | $310 | Rab Proflex 3L | 10,000 mm/24 hours | 35,000 g/m² | 14.9 oz. |
REI Co-op XeroCloud 3L | $190 | REI HydroWall 3L | Unpublished | Unpublished | 13.4 oz. |
Norrøna Falketind Paclite Rain Jacket | $349 | GORE-TEX Paclite Plus 2.5L | 28,000 mm/24 hours | 15,000 g/m² | 9.1 oz. |
Arc’teryx Beta | $400 | GORE-TEX ePE 3L | 28,000 mm/24 hours | <13 RET | 10.6 oz. |
Rab Downpour Light | $165 | Proflex 2.5L | 20,000 mm/24 hours | 20,000 g/m² | 7.7 oz. |
Outdoor Research Helium | $170 | Pertex Shield 2.5L | 20,000 mm/24 hours | 20,000 g/m² | 6.3 oz. |
Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic | $230 | Dry.Q 2.5L | 10,000 mm/24 hours | 10,000 g/m² | 10.5 oz. |
Zpacks Vertice | $299 | Zpacks Vertice 3L | >20,000 mm/24 hours | 56,000 g/m² | 7 oz. |
Black Diamond Fineline Stretch | $180 | Black Diamond BD.dry 2.5L | 10,000 mm/24 hours | 10,000 g/m² | 11.3 oz. |

How We Tested the Best Rain Jackets
Our Expert Testers

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Rain Jacket
Rain Jacket Categories


Waterproofness

- 5,000 mm: Where technical rain outerwear for outdoor adventures begins
- 5,000-10,000 mm: Waterproof under light rain or snow and no pressure
- 10,000-15,000 mm: Waterproof under many conditions, except under pressure
- 15,000-20,000 mm: Waterproof under heavy rain and snow
- >20,000 mm: Waterproof under heavy rain, snow, and pressure
Breathability

MVTR and RET Testing
Fabric Layers

2-Layer
2.5-Layer

3-Layer
Waterproof Membranes

GORE-TEX PACLITE and PACLITE PLUS
GORE-TEX ePE

GORE-TEX Pro
GORE-TEX Active

Pertex Shield+
Proprietary Membranes
Durable Water-Repellent Finish (DWR)

Comfort

Weight & Packed Size

Zippers, Pockets, and Seams

Hood

Extra Features

Sustainability

Durability and Caring for Your Rain Jacket

Price & Value
Budget
Mid-Tier
Premium

Frequently Asked Questions
The best waterproof jacket is one that fits well, meets your needs, and provides reliable waterproofing. On this list, we have included several high-quality rain jackets.
When deciding which one to purchase, consider factors including the jacket’s waterproof rating, weight, durability, and extra features.
GORE-TEX is the gold standard for waterproof fabric. When undamaged and in good shape, GORE-TEX-treated fabrics will keep out any liquid water that lands on the surface.
However, over time, the quality of the waterproofing of GORE-TEX will degrade, and it will no longer perform like new. Most GORE-TEX materials have a waterproof rating of 28,000 mm.
It’s wise to always go into the outdoors prepared with a rain jacket. Many rain jackets are light and packable, so you’ll hardly notice them in your pack during the hike. In wet and cold conditions, a good rain jacket can keep you comfortable and safe.
Waterproof membranes in rain jackets degrade slowly, but are sensitive to becoming dirty and clogged with sweat and dirt. Often, a jacket still retains much of its original waterproof ability, and only needs to be cleaned with a waterproof fabric-safe detergent and re-waterproofed with a new DWR finish.
Wetting out occurs when the face fabric of a rain jacket becomes overwhelmed by water from the outside, saturating the outer face and limiting the ability of the waterproof membrane to do its job.
This can occur when a DWR finish has worn out, or external pressure from a heavy pack presses the moisture into the fabric. Frequent washing and re-waterproofing is the best bet to avoid wetting out.

Rain jackets are designed to keep water out while still allowing your body’s moisture to escape as vapor. Unlike a trash bag or plastic poncho, rain jackets are semipermeable and designed to keep you both cool and dry at the same time.
Still, a rain jacket is certainly less breathable than other kinds of layers, and you can expect some heat and moisture to get trapped underneath.
Strictly speaking, rain jackets are not usually designed with insulation. Most of the jackets we’ve recommended on this list are not insulated. The main job of a rain jacket is to protect you from rain, snow, wind, and other adverse weather. While rain jackets will add a little warmth, other layers such as fleece jackets and puffies provide much more and can easily be worn underneath a rain jacket.

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